Tribe of One Love

Expanding Our Capacity to Love by Loving the Enemy Within

This session invites us to look honestly at the parts of ourselves and others that we resist, reject, or even consider "the enemy." The title points to a paradox: that by learning to love what feels unlovable—within our own inner world and in our relationships—we expand the boundaries of love itself. Together we will explore how facing inner conflict, self-criticism, and projections on others can become an opening to deeper compassion and freedom.

In recent conversations about love, a common challenge surfaced:
"I have really negative feelings about people. How do I stay in relationship?"

This question captures the heart of our work. Love does not deny our difficult feelings—it invites us to meet them with honesty, curiosity, and courage. By exploring how to remain in relationship even when negativity arises, we practice a more radical form of love that transforms both ourselves and the way we connect with others.

Location:
Go to Ridgedale Library - 2nd Floor - Ladyslipper Room 275

Video References:

Expanding Our Capacity to Love by Rejecting Division Programming
In a world where fear and separation are constantly reinforced, many of us unknowingly get pulled into division programming—the cultural, political, and media-driven messages that condition us to see one another as “other.” This kind of programming thrives on keeping us divided, distracted, and easier to control. When we fall into it, we become what some call “sheeple,” blindly following the narrative instead of consciously choosing love and connection.

This discussion invites us to step back, notice these patterns, and reorient ourselves toward love as our deepest truth. Together, we’ll explore how to expand our personal and collective capacity to love in the face of forces that seek to divide.

In recent conversations about love, one of us named a powerful truth:
"We need to realize that there is an agenda to keep us divided. We need to recognize the programming and do what we can to resist and reject it."

This insight captures the heart of our work. Division programming thrives when we unconsciously participate in it, but love calls us to a different path. By practicing awareness, rejecting the temptation of othering, and choosing connection, we strengthen our capacity for One Love even in a divided world.

Objectives:
By the end of our conversation, we aim to:

1. Develop awareness of how division programming shows up in our lives.
2. Practice and commit to rejecting the temptation of othering in real-time situations.
3. Strengthen our collective practice of choosing One Love and connection over separation.
4. Learn simple, practical strategies to process anger and grief in healthy ways.

Complaints as a Cry for Love: Moving from Victimhood to Clarity
From a love-centered perspective, complaints are not something to shame or suppress — they are disguised cries for love. They reveal that something inside us longs to be seen, respected, or cared for. When we learn to pause and ask, “What love or need is hidden beneath this complaint?” we move out of victimhood and into clarity. Love becomes the lens that helps us transform complaint into care, and blame into connection.

In this session, we will explore the anatomy of a complaint, practice seeing the love beneath the words, and learn how to shift from disempowered complaining to empowered clarity.

Objectives:
By the end of our time together, participants will:

1. Understand the anatomy of a complaint and how it often masks unmet needs, unprocessed grief, or hidden longings.
2. Recognize that complaining for the sake of complaining is not helpful — it reinforces a victim stance and drains love and energy.
3. Learn how to reframe complaints as signals pointing to underlying needs, rather than as attacks or blame.
4. Practice shifting from venting to clarity: using complaints as an opportunity to identify needs and respond with love.
5. Develop tools to listen with compassion — both to their own complaints and those of others — in ways that foster connection, empowerment, and healing.

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ABOUT TRIBE OF ONE LOVE

Mission of Tribe of One Love:
We are a community devoted to expanding our capacity to practice love for all—cherishing the sacredness of every human, nurturing meaningful connection, and living the wisdom of love in action. In doing so, we cultivate joy and awaken a higher consciousness that inspires more connected lives for ourselves, our families, and the world around us.

Purpose of Weekly Discussions:
Transformation. Our weekly gatherings are spaces for authentic connection and shared growth, with transformation at the heart of why we come together. Every voice is valued, every story honored, and our diversity embraced. We come together not to debate or persuade, but to listen, reflect, and expand in love and curiosity. At the end of each discussion, we invite each participant to share a takeaway—what they’ve learned, how their views have shifted, or what they might do differently because of the conversation.

Tribe of One Love Invitation & Community Guidelines

• We are rooted in love, curiosity, and growth.
  We’re here to reflect, share, and expand our awareness together—not to debate, persuade, or convert.
• We are a nonpartisan, non-denominational space.
  People from all walks of life are welcome. Personal experiences may include politics or religion, but no ideology—political, religious, or otherwise—should be promoted or belittled.
• We show up as both teachers and students.
  Please review any shared resources before the session. We look forward to hearing your reflections, reactions, and perspectives. While we explore different perspectives, you are encouraged to take in what speaks to you and release what doesn’t.
• Speak from personal experience.
  Use “I” language. Share what’s true for you without trying to fix, assume, advise, or preach—unless invited. Avoid stating opinions as facts. When you frame your truth as your experience, it leaves room for others to share theirs.
• Avoid assumptions.
  Don’t assume others share your background, values, or beliefs. Our diversity is a strength. Speaking as if we all think alike can make others feel excluded or unsafe.
• You are welcome to bring your real experiences—with purpose.
  If you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or worn down by life and the state of the world, you are not alone. Bring what’s real in the spirit of healing and learning. We name pain, not to vent or complain without direction, but to seek clarity, understanding, and transformation.
• Practice equity of voice.
  Be mindful of how much space you’re holding. If you speak often, consider stepping back. If you’re usually quiet, know your voice matters—we’d love to hear from you.
• Welcome disagreements as part of growth.
  When conflict arises, pause. Acknowledge what others are sharing, and respond with curiosity, not certainty. Aim for connection, not correction.
• Let this space ripple outward.
  What’s learned here, we hope transforms not only ourselves, but our families, communities, and beyond. This space is sacred—not because it is perfect, but because we hold it together.